"Even as he celebrated winning Kentucky’s U.S. Senate race Tuesday night, tea party-backed Republican Rand Paul sketched out the next big question. 'We came from nowhere and won a big victory. Now we have to see if we can do something with the victory,' Paul said. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Kentucky’s senior senator, in large measure holds the answer to that question for Paul and other maverick Senate newcomers." [Bluegrass Politics]

"U.S. Rep.-elect Todd Young said Wednesday that he expects to 'hit the ground running' when he goes to Washington in January and that he and other newly-elected GOP House members intend to make themselves heard." [Courier-Journal]

"In addition to running for governor in 2011, Senate President David Williams said Wednesday he has the votes to be re-elected to the chamber’s top position when lawmakers select their leaders in January. But Sen. Julie Denton, R-Louisville, said she remains committed to running for the spot and is 'very optimistic' about her chances." [Bluegrass Politics]

"The fate of expanded gambling at the state’s race tracks is in question after Republicans gained ground in the state Senate and candidates backed by the horse industry lost. But those in the horse industry said that despite Tuesday’s setbacks, they are still pushing for video lottery terminals at the state’s tracks and would possibly consider a constitutional amendment that would allow voters to decide the issue." [Bluegrass Politcs]